Over two tonne of flowers from several destinations were used by about 40 workers who worked for 10 hours to prepare the Army truck and gun carriage for the final journey of Jayalalithaa. The flowers were of two varieties, one being the decorative kind, including cut flowers like zebra plant, asparagus and daisy and the other, more traditional varieties like rose and white marigold (Vellai samandi in Tamil).

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Working at a brisk pace, knitting garlands to decorate the army truck and gun-carriage, Velu, a senior florist from Koyambedu market told PTI, “The choice of flowers should sync with the sombre mood on the occasion, that is the most important thing.” He said a total of “well over 2,000 kilos of flowers” were used for making garlands and flower hangings. The garlands were used to on the army truck, the gun carriage and the memorial site for Jayalalithaa, Velu added.

Cut flowers and marigold were sourced from different destinations, including Bengaluru, he said. “40 of us have been knitting the flower garlands, piecing together cut-flowers and giving it the required shape and look.” Although the task was quite laborious, he said, “We are satisfied to see that it soothes people who are grieved over the demise of Amma.”